Page 149 of Lucifer's Redemption

Galen tilted his head, his eyes squinting accusingly at Silas. “The one called Ember will make it so. You should not worry so much.”

The constant trill from Galen comforting his friend was nice, but he still gives me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe he will be mated to an arachnologist so they can be creepy together!

“Uriel!” Athena waved for me to come down to the dock. Silas slid back into the water, his head and shoulders still hovering on the surface.

“It will happen,” I told Silas again.

Silas’ tentacles stuck to my leg. “Thank you, Goddess.” He smiled one more time before he sunk into the ocean.

Galen helped me up. The little hairs on his legs brushed my shoulders, and I shivered involuntarily. “Sorry I repulse you,” Galen hung his head.

These monsters Poseidon created were all so sweet. I sure hope their mates think the same.

“I don’t find you repulsive, Galen.” I pulled his head closer to me, trying not to wince. “You just remind me of the smaller ones that don’t have a big heart like you do.”

Galen’s stiff smile had him chittering until Athena called me again.

“Don’t forget to come dance,” I chided.

Galen twilled his voice. “Most cannot dance with two feet, let alone six. I shall watch from the tropical canopy.”

Smiling, I ran down the dock where Athena greeted me. She wore Bermuda shorts and a tight-fitting tank top and held a tropical drink in her hand. “Here, you must try this.” She handed it to me. The cold, yellow substance with a pineapple slice on the side and a pretty, purple umbrella had me giggling in excitement.

“What is this?” I squealed, taking a large sip.

Mmm…I rolled my eyes in the back of my head at the taste.

“A piña colada.” Athena grinned.

I sucked half the thing down in under ten seconds. “It makes my tummy all warm.” I paused, only to drink the rest down.

“Want another?” Athena laughed, and I nodded my head frantically. “Here.” She waved her hand, and it filled right back up to the brim.

Athena led me back to the crowd. Tons of Ember’s family members were dancing and mingling with the gods. My parents sat talking to Vulcan in the corner of the room, playing with the new babies. I sucked down the rest of my piña colada only for it to magically refill.

This is the best juice cup ever! I’m never letting it go.

“What are you doing?” Warmth tingled behind my back. Turning too quickly, I fell into Luci’s arms, who raised a brow. “I told you to stay with Silas until I came back.”

My eyes widened as I sucked down more of my drink. “Athena came and got me.” I innocently replied, playing with the umbrella. Athena winked at Luci before she giggled and walked away.

“Have you tried this? It’s freaking amazeballs!” Sucking some more, Luci suddenly took it from me.

“Noooo, it’s mine!” I tried jumping, but Luci took a sip.

“Uriel, do you know what this is?”

I groaned. Leaning my head back, watching him take another sip. “Piña Coladaaaaa, duhhhh.” I rolled my eyes, which earned me a hard smack on my bum. “Owie!” I poked his chest.

“Gimmie it! Athena gave it to me. It is the coolest gift ever!” Snatching it back, I emptied the glass again as I tried to run away from Luci.

It was easy, I was small and light. I went under some dancers’ legs, who squealed in surprise. They all laughed as they saw my tushie wiggle through the crowd heading for the middle of the dance floor. Luci called after me. His worried voice had me laughing so hard, some of my drink spilled.

Realizing I was making a mess, I stood up and pranced to the other side of the crowd, where I saw Ares grinding on Mariah. His hands were on her butt and his hips ground hard into the front of her body to the beat of the music. Lights strobed around us as I stopped in front of them both—just staring at them.

I wish I could dance like that.

Still sucking on my straw, they stopped dancing and stared down at my short stature.

---